Download Protein Synthesis: A Real Adventure

Protein Synthesis Word Game
Purpose: To simulate and learn the process of protein synthesis.
Background: Use 2-4 sentences to describe protein synthesis. Include the parts of protein
synthesis, where it happens, and what it does.
Procedure:
*Each student in the group will play a specific role: Write the name of the student and
describe what they do on your lab report.
a. “Mikey” the mRNA
Name:______________________
Describe duties:_____________________________________________
b. “Ricky” the rRNA
Name:______________________
Describe duties:_____________________________________________
c. “Timmy” the tRNA
Name:______________________
Describe duties:_____________________________________________
d. “Tina” another tRNA
Name:______________________
1 The mRNA student will enter the nucleus and transcribe the DNA into mRNA.
REMEMBER, THE DNA CANNOT LEAVE THE NUCLEUS!
2. The mRNA student takes the mRNA to the Ribosome (your desk).Each set of three
letters represents a codon.
3. The tRNA student will search out the correct anti-codon sequence card and flip the
card over revealing the word. Write the word down.
4. The tRNA student will bring the word back to the ribosome.
5. The rRNA student will write down each word as delivered by the tRNA
6. After completing the sentence, a student in the group will tell your teacher the
sentence. If correct, you may pick another DNA template, if not the group may go
over the same DNA template.
Data:
Turn in the transcribed DNA (MRNA) and the translated protein (sentence).
Analysis: Answer in complete sentences!
1. How is the structure of DNA different than the structure of RNA?
2. Where is the DNA located?
3. How do the DNA instructions get to the ribosome?
4. What is the function of the codon and anticodon?
Conclusion: Compare the activity we just did to the actual process of protein synthesis. What
do the words represent? What do the sentences represent? What happened to the sentence when
a student made a mistake? If these same mistakes happened in a real cell, what could happen?